PowerMac Airport Reception problems

macrumors member

Last week my 'new' Power Mac G5 refurb tower (has small external airport antenna) died, so I asked Apple to return it and upgrade (with me paying) to a new dual-core Power Mac G5 2.0GHz. They agreed, but now I'm having severe airport reception issues.
The dual-core machine has the antenna built into the back of the machine (airport & bluetooth antenna). When I keep the side metal cover on the G5, I get no airport reception. As soon as I take off the side metal cover (and keep the plasic piece on), I have 5 bars & excellent internet speed. I know apple sells an external airport antenna, but it's $100. Is there a small fix for the problem? For example, I can run a 10' speaker wire to help receive my FM radio signal. Will the speaker wire connected to the Airport antenna help receive the 2.4GHz signal comin from the Linksys 802.11b router?
I am two floors away from the router, but my old iMac sitting next to the G5 gets pretty darn good reception with its internal airport antenna.
Any suggestions are welcome! Thanks.

macrumors 68040

wierd, I would have thought the new build in "strip" antenna would have worked better than the dinky plastic thing on the older g5's. In fact when the new g5's came out and I saw that new set up I was rather jealous (hey, it's an extra part to lose)

macrumors 6502a

Yes indeed it is!! I lost mine a few months back thinking I didn't need it, but I really need one now! Does anybody in the UK have a spare one lying around they'd like to give me? I can pay the postage!

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